ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Culture has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centers for the development Of Arts, Culture and Craft across the country: Sh G. Kishan Reddy
For conservation and development of art, culture and crafts across the country, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres  with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur. These ZCCs organize various cultural activities and programmes on regular basis in their member States throughout the year. For conducting various activities/ programmes, ZCCs are provided regular annual grant-in-aid by the Government. However, no State/UT-wise funds are released by the Ministry of Culture for the purpose.
Further, for preservation and development of art, culture and crafts across the country, Ministry of Culture also organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs  through these ZCCs where a large number of artists from all over India are engaged to showcase their talents. From November, 2015 onwards, twelve  RSMs have been organized by Ministry of Culture across the country.
These ZCCs also organize minimum 42 Regional Festivals for promotion of art and culture every year as per their programme calendar. For proper storage of the treasure of knowledge for posterity, several art forms including the vanishing ones are being documented by these ZCCs. Number of arts forms have been documented in digital format .
Further, for preservation and promotion of various folk arts & culture of the country, these ZCCs also implement a number of schemes viz. Award to Young Talented Artists, Guru Shishya Parampara, Theatre Rejuvenation, Research and Documentation, Shilpgram, OCTAVE and National Cultural Exchange Programme.
This reply was given by Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy in Lok Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
A plaque depicting the preamble to the Constitution was unveiled by Shri. R. Ravichandran IRS, in Chennai at Income Tax Office Campus, today
On the occasion of ‘Constitution Day’ and to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26th November, a plaque depicting the preamble to the Constitution in Tamil & English was unveiled by Shri. R. Ravichandran, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax  in the Income Tax Office Campus, No.121, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600034.
As a part of this celebration, the Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice  Shri. R.V. Easwar delivered the special address about the salient features of Constitution of India. Officers and Officials of the Income Tax fraternity graced the occasion. According to a Press Release issued by A. SASIKUMAR, IRS, Addl. Commissioner of Income-tax   , Chennai.
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Ministry of Minority Affairs
Computerization and Digitization of Wakf Records
The Ministry implements Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme  under which financial assistance to State Waqf Boards  towards computerization and digitization of Waqf records. Under the scheme the Ministry also supports the SWBs for deployment of manpower viz. Assistant Programmer, Survey Assistant, Accountant and Legal Assistant, setting up of Video Conferencing Facility, Centralized Computing Facility  & Enterprise Resource Planning  Solution for better administration of SWBs.
A dedicated online portal called WAMSI  has been developed by this Ministry for computerization & digitization of records of waqf properties and Geographic Information System  Mapping of waqf properties to prevent encroachment under Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme . Since inception of QWBTS, an amount of Rs.5660 lakh has been released by the Ministry to SWBs. The Ministry has engaged prominent institutes; IIT Roorke and AMU, Aligarh for executing GIS/GPS mapping of Waqf properties. Details of Grant in Aid and funds utilized by SWBs under the scheme are available on the website of Central Waqf Council  www.centralwaqfcouncil.gov.in.
The expected progress has been made under the scheme. CWC regularly monitors through the review meetings with State Waqf Board on the progress of registration, digitization and GIS/GPS mapping of the Waqf properties. So far records of 7,75,172  immovable waqf properties have been registered in WAMSI Registration Module. GIS Mapping of 2,19,230  waqf properties have also been done. For the first time 3,32,344  records of waqf estates have been digitized. The work of registration, digitization and GIS/GPS mapping of Waqf properties is being done on war-footing level. SWBs-wise progress made under the scheme is available on www.wamsi.nic.in.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
The Covid-19 pandemic has taught the world that one cannot be safe if others are at risk: President Kovind
President of India graces the 23rd annual convocation of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka
The Covid-19 pandemic has taught the world that one cannot be safe if others are at risk, said the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. He was addressing the 23rd Annual Convocation of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka in Bengaluru today . The President said that the first major pandemic in over a century has taught us to be better prepared for unforeseen public health crises. Though Covid-19 seems to be one-of-a-kind health-crisis that happens rarely, a section of scientists has warned us to be prepared for similar challenges ahead. He expressed hope that the world has learnt the right lessons. He stated that in the post-Covid phase, the world would have to pay more attention to public healthcare.
Addressing the graduating students, the President said that their entry into this noble profession opens up for them, unforeseen and unprecedented opportunities to serve humanity. It depends on them as to how they make the best use of these opportunities. He stated that in the Union Budget announced on the 1st February, the area of ‘health and well-being’ has been recognised as one of the six crucial pillars of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat. Boosting healthcare infrastructure in the country is being given strong emphasis. He emphasized that effective utilisation of this national resource would be possible only with their active support and contribution.
The President said that healthcare delivery in India is poised to undergo a change at all stages – prevention, diagnosis and treatment. No single entity in the healthcare sector can deliver results and achieve outcomes. The evolution of the sector calls for active involvement and participation of all stakeholders and the use of innovation to bridge intent and execution.
The President was happy to note that the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, with one of the largest networks of affiliated institutions in the world, has led many innovations in the field of healthcare education. He said that it has emerged as a globally credible brand due to the sustained efforts made by the leaders of this university since its inception.
Please click here to see the President speech
Ministry of Defence
47 ICG Assistant Commandants pass out of 68th Coast Guard Law and Ops Course
Forty-seven Assistant Commandants of the 68th Batch of Indian Coast Guard Law and Operations Course passed out of the portals of Indian Coast Guard Training Centre, Kochi today.An impressive Passing Out Parade  was held at the ICGDistrict Headquarters No. 4, Kochi.The POP marked the successful culmination of the Technical Courses for the trainee officers.During the 10.2 weeks CG Law and Operations course, the officers were imparted instructions on Coast Guard specific subjects such as Maritime Law, Search and Rescue, Fisheries Monitoring & Control, Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution and other subjects related to the CG Charter of Duties.
The training at CGTC  ensured impetus to build professional caliber, practical broad base knowledge and critical thinking skills in the Officer trainees which are the key requisites for manning state of art platforms of Indian Coast Guard. It further grooms the young officers to develop as astute decision makers, handling critical & dynamic situations at sea.
The POP was reviewed by Commander of Coast Guard Region Inspector General Paramesh Sivamani. The ceremonial parade, also witnessed the award of ‘Sword of Honour’ and ‘Book prizes’ by the Flag Officer to the meritorious trainee officers. Assistant Commandant Harjot Singh stood first in the 68thCG Law and Ops Course. The coveted “Director General Sword of Honour” for the 67thBatch was awarded to Assistant Commandant Muthamizhnathan for standing first in overall order of merit in the course including afloat, technical and CG Ops and Law Courses.
Speaking on the occasion, Inspector General Paramesh Sivamani emphasized on the importance of training, commitment and discipline to be mission ready and respond to any situation at sea.The Flag officer highlighted the challenges and immense responsibilities that await these officers as they step into the operational platforms of the 4thlargest Coast Guard of the World. He further added that the ability to set the right priorities, with right attitude, professionalism and moral probity keeping the Nation and the Service before self, would form the bedrock of their character and assist them in taking tough decisions under challenging situations and environment. Shri Sivamanialso congratulated the trainee officers and their proud parents for successful completion of training and becoming an integral part of the ICG.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy
(Visitor Counter : 427
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Drivers Training for Safe Driving
The Central . Motor .Vehicles . Rules 1989 provides for driving training as it directly as well as indirectly helps in ensuring good driving skills and knowledge of rules of road regulation among drivers. The Government of India implements scheme for setting of model Institutes of Driving Training and Research , Regional Driving Training Centre  and Driving Training Centre  at district level.
The financial assistance under these schemes are as under:-
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Sl. No.
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Scheme
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Financial assistance
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1
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Institutes of Driving Training and Research 
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Maximum Rs.18.50 crore per IDTR
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2
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Regional Driving Training Centre 
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Maximum Rs.5.00 crore per RDTC
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3
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Driving Training Centre 
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50% of the project cost subject to a maximum of Rs 1.00 crore per DTC
State-wise details of DTI/IDTR/RDTC sanctioned by the Ministry is given below
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State/UT
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DTI/IDTR location
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RDTC location
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ANDHRA PRADESH
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Vijayawada
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Dasri
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ASSAM
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Dispur
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BIHAR
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Aurangabad
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CHHATTISGARH
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Naya Raipur
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HARYANA
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Rohtak
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Bhiwani
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HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Mandi
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Sarkaghat
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JAMMU AND KASHMIR
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jammu
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JHARKHAND
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Jamshedpur
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KARNATAKA
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Bellary
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KERALA
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Eddappal
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MADHYA PRADESH
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Indore
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Chhindwara
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MAHARASHTRA
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Pune
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Vardha
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Lature
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Nanded
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Nagpur
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Sangli
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Nagpur
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MANIPUR
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Imphal
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NAGALAND
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Dimapur
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ODISHA
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Jajpur
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RAJASTHAN
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Rajsamand
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SIKKIM
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Pakyong
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TELANGANA
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Karimnagar
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TRIPURA
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Agartala
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UTTAR PRADESH
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Kanpur
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UTTARAKHAND
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Dehradun
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WEST BENGAL
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Jassore
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Kolkatta
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DELHI
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Sarai Kale Khan
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Total
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29
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05
This information was given by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 167.47 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 11.83 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,67,47,07,695
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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11,83,06,396
More than 167.47 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 11.83 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Housing Provisions to Transgender Persons
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is formulating a scheme for the welfare of the Transgender persons wherein setting up of shelter homes for destitute and needy Transgender Persons is included as one of the components.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has initiated 12 pilot shelter homes and provided financial assistance to community based organizations  for setting up of these shelter homes 'Garima Greh' for Transgender persons. These pilot shelter homes are in States of Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. The main aim of these shelter homes is to provide safe and secure shelter to Transgender persons in need. These shelter homes would provide basic amenities like food, medical care, recreational facilities and also conduct capacity-building/skill development programmes for Transgender persons.
This Ministry is not implementing any Pension scheme. However, the Ministry of Rural Development implements the National Social Assistance Programme  in which 3,384 Transgender are being provided monthly pension. This information was given by The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment shri A. Narayanswamy in the Loksabha in a written reply.
PIB Headquarters
SPECIAL PASSPORT MELA
In order to meet the public demand and to facilitate submission of applications for the frequent travellers due to extended time in getting appointments, Regional Passport Office, Chennai will be holding “ Special Passport Mela’ on Saturday the 01st December 2018 at Post Office Passport Seva Kendra , Vellore.
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, at Vellore will function on Saturday the 01st December 2018 like any other normal working day and accept applications as per time slots allotted to the applicants. Approximately 75 applicants are expected to be benefitted from this Mela.
To participate in this Passport Mela, all applicants have to log on to the official website ‘www.passportindia.gov.in’ register on-line, generate ‘ARN’ , and pay online fees and then take appointment. Applicants participating in the mela should bring the print-out of ARN with appointment details, to the POPSK along with the requisite documents in originals, plus one set of self attested photocopies. Applications under fresh and Re-issue categories only will be accepted.
The appointments will be released on 28th November 2018  at 1430 hrs for the mela to take place on Saturday, 01st December 2018. On the day of mela, applications will be accepted only as per the time slot allotted to them. Applications for PCCs, Walk-ins including On-Hold and Refused Tokens will not be entertained during the Mela.
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Special Service and Features
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS ORGANIZED AN INTERACTION IN CHENNAI TODAY
Bureau of Indian Standards, Chennai Branch Office –I organized the Manak Manthan programme on "INDIAN STANDARD ON GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED PLASTIC  PANEL TYPE DOOR SHUTTERS FOR INTERNAL USE AS PER IS 14856:2000" in Chennai Today. GRP stands for Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic is an engineering plastic finding application in a variety of fields ranging from aircraft and rocket component to consumer durables. It is mainly used in construction for roofing, canopies and doors. GRP is useful in adding stability, durability and resistance for industrial building structures.GRP profiles are best for commercial and industrial applications, known for their sturdiness and strength and can be adaptable in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes. This specification does not cover large size door shutters for industrial and special buildings such as workshops, garages, godowns, etc.
Persons from local manufacturers, Industrial and Trade Bodies, Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, PSU’s or organizations who use such products, Government departments, Regulatory bodies, Laboratories, Civil society groups and academia were invited to attend the programme. The specifications of Standard starting from raw material requirements to testing were discussed. The comments received were noted for further improvement in the draft standard.
The Chief Guest of the Programme, Dr.Syed Amanulla, Chief Manager, CIPET gave his inaugural speech. Smt.G.Bhavani,Scientist-E, Director & Head  welcomed the gathering and spoke on programme objectives. Dr.Seebai, Scientist-C & Shri D.Bhanu Kiran, Scientist-B, Chennai Branch Office-I, BIS conducted the technical discussion on the subject and the programme ended with vote of thanks. According to a press release issued by H.Ajay Khanna, Deputy Director .
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Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Foreign and Indian coaches to have a 4-year contract : Shri Kiren Rijiju
IOA President lauds the move
With the Government's focus on the 2024 and 2028 Olympics, and to ensure thatOlympic-bound athletes are able to train consistently with one coach and therefore work on improving their performance, foreign and Indian coaches will now have a four year contractin alignment with the Olympic cycle.
Speaking about the decision, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri. Kiren Rijiju said, “Coaches are the backbone of the sporting ecosystem of any country and ensuring the right coaching for our elite athletes is a vital step towards improving India’s chances in all major international tournaments, including the Olympics. This decision is part of India’s long-term roadmap for Olympic preparation for 2024 and 2028. I am confident our athletes will benefit from this.”
The 4-year contract of coaches will be given on the basis of the performance of a coach and recommendation from the respective NSFs. The contracts, though for 4 years, will be reviewed annually and extended on the basis of a coach’s overall performance, indicated by the performance of athletes in major international events.
Reacting to the decision of the Government, Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, President, Indian Olympic Association, said, “I welcome this decision and thank the Sports Minister, Ministry and SAI. At a recent meeting with the Sports Minister, representatives of various NSFs had raised this issue and requested for longer contract periods for foreign coaches. This decision will help athletes in a big way, especially during this time when they have had to go on a forced break for a few months. The existing coaches know these athletes and will build them up.” Dr Batra further added, “Frequent changing of coaches means that an athlete has to adjust to thetemperament of the new coach and vice-versa. This often hampers the level of performance. This decision is also sure to have a positive impact on the Asian Games in 2022 and the World Championships that we have in 2023, leading up to the Olympics in 2024. The continuity of coaches will surely improve the performance of athletes and ensure more medals for India.”
Meanwhile, in view of the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to next year, the contract of all foreign coaches will be extended till September 30, 2021.
Ministry of Railways
Regulation of train services by Indian Railways on 22.03.2020  during Janta Curfew in the wake of COVID-19
Indian Railways advises Zonal Railways to regulate train services
Keeping in view the fact that the demand for rail travel will be vastly reduced during the Janta Curfew i.e. 07:00 AM to 09:00 PM on 22.03.2020 , Indian Railways has advised Zonal Railways to regulate train services as follows:-
A. Suburban services in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Secunderbad: These services shall be reduced to bare minimum level on Sunday .
B. Passenger trains: All Passenger trains originating between midnight of 21/22.03.20 to 2200 hrs of 22.03.20 shall be cancelled.
C. Mail express trains and Intercity trains: All long-distance mail/express and Intercity trains  originating between 0400 hrs and 2200 hrs on the day  will be cancelled.
D. Trains which had commenced journey already prior to the above timelines will run upto their destinations.
Adequate arrangements shall be made to facilitate hassle-free refund to passengers affected by train cancellations.
President's Secretariat
President of India in Kanpur; inaugurates centenary celebrations of DAV College and addresses annual day of BNSD College
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the DAV College, Kanpur today  in Kanpur. In a separate event, he also graced and addressed the alumni association conference and annual day function of the BNSD Inter College and Shiksha Niketan, Kanpur. In his younger days, the President studied in both the institutions.
Earlier in the day the President visited the Balaji Mandir, Kanpur and the Dhamma Kalyana Kanpur International Vipassana Meditation Centre.
Please click here for President’s speech at DAV College
Please click here for President’s speech at BNSD College
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda on a Two day visit to Manipur
Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda will be arriving to Imphal tomorrow to inaugurate a new, scheme introduced recently by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India named "Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North -Eastern Region " for the benefit of Scheduled Tribes of Northeastern Region.
The scheme will be launched by Shri Arjun Munda, Hon'ble Minister for Tribal Affairs at 3:00 PM on 18.04.202:3 at MSFDS Auditorium Imphal, Manipur in the presence of Chief Minister of Manipur Shri N. Biren Singh and other dignitaries.
The scheme ''Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North -Eastern Region " has the vision to strengthen livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans through increased efficiency in procurement, logistics and marketing of tribal products from North Eastern States.
On the next day he will be participating Hun-2023 Thadou Cultural Festival at Kangpokpi DHQ as Chief guest along with Union Minster of State for Education and External Affairs RK Ranjan Singh and other dignitaries.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Army Apprehends a Chinese Soldier in Demchok Sector of Eastern Ladakh
A PLA soldier identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long was apprehended in the Demchok sector of Eastern Ladakh on 19 October 2020 after he had strayed across the LAC.
The PLA soldier has been provided medical assistance including oxygen, food and warm clothes to protect him from the vagaries of extreme altitude and harsh climatic conditions.
A request has also been received from the PLA about the whereabouts of the missing soldier.
As per established protocols, he will be returned back to Chinese officials at the Chushul – Moldo meeting point after completion of formalities.